Thanksgiving travel - live: Record number of Americans set to hit the road as drivers brace for delays

A storm will move over the central and eastern US just in time to disrupt Americans’ Thanksgiving travel plans.

Wednesday is expected to be the busiest road travel day for US holiday travelers, with more than 49 million Americans expected to drive to their destinations during the Thanksgiving stretch.

Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and snow are expected to move from the central US across the Midwest and ultimately into the northeast just in time for the holiday.

The storm system will hit the Midwest and Ohio and Tennessee Valleys on Tuesday before turning northeast for the mid and latter portion of the week.

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York warned travelers in the state to be cautious as there was a risk of “extreme winter weather” during peak travel days.

Tuesday will bring severe thunderstorms, rain, snow and wind to much of the eastern half of the US. Those storms are expected to wane on Wednesday, making way for an undisturbed Thanksgiving Day in most parts of the US.

Key Points

• Severe weather may disrupt Thanksgiving travel

• Santa Ana winds expected to hit California this week

Washington DC, Baltimore feel brunt of weather-related flight delays

21:15 , Graig Graziosi

Travelers flying out of Washington DC and Baltimore for Thanksgiving have felt the brunt of weather-related flight delays Tuesday.

Between Baltimore/Washington International Airport and Dulles International Airport, 40 flights have been delayed this afternoon.

The ongoing winter storm moving east toward the US east cost and northeast is currently situated directly over the Washington DC and Baltimore area.

Flight delays in New York and the northeast may increase later in the evening as the storm moves into the region.

California Interstate 10 reopens after arson just in time for Thanksgiving travel

20:48 , Graig Graziosi

California’s I-10 near Los Angeles reopened on Monday after it was temporarily closed for repairs. Portions of the highway were shut down after a suspected arsonist lit a fire on the roadway.

The freeway was reopened just in time to allow access to Thanksgiving travelers.

Of course, even with the I-10 reopen, it’s still Los Angeles.

WATCH: Pre-Thanksgiving forecast update

19:54 , Graig Graziosi

DOT head Pete Buttigieg tells air travelers they are entitled to full refunds if their flights are cancelled

19:20 , Graig Graziosi

Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg posted a video on Tuesday informing air travelers of their rights — and what compensation they can expect — in the event of flight cancellations or delays this holiday season.

"This year, we have seen some of the busiest air travel days in US history. And so far this year, our aviation system has been handling the increased volume well. In fact, cancellations are lower than they were before the pandemic, and we're pushing hard to keep it that way."

"If your flight does get delayed or cancelled, know that the Department of Transportation has your back. For example, we have obtained enforceable commitments from the ten largest airlines to cover expenses for things like rebooking, meals, and more when you face delays or cancellations that are the airline's responsibility. You should also know you are entitled to a full cash refund if your flight is cancelled for any reason."

Mr Buttigieg said the DOT's regulations have helped return more than $2.5bn dollars to travelers whose flights have been cancelled. He recommended air travelers to visit FlightRights.gov to review their rights as travelers before they set off for their holiday destinations.

New York State DOT offers tips for holiday drivers

18:57 , Graig Graziosi

The New York State Department of Transportation offered up a list of tips for holiday travelers taking to the roads to reach their destinations this Thanksgiving.

Northern New York and northern New England are expected to see freezing rain and sleet this evening with the potential for some snow overnight, though accumulation is unlikely in all but the most elevated of the affected regions.

Wednesday is expected to be the busiest day for road travelers. AAA recommends that drivers leave either early or late in the day to avoid the worst of the holiday traffic.

Thanksgiving will be chilly, but mostly dry, according to forecasters

18:04 , Graig Graziosi

After a wet and windy Tuesday and Wednesday, Thanksgiving day is expected to be relatively dry, but chilly across much of the US.

“High temperatures in the Central and Southern Plains will average 10 to 20 degrees below the norm. Meanwhile in the Northwest, temperatures will be mild for the most part as high pressure builds across the region,” the NOAA reports.

New York Mayor Eric Adams issues travel advisory

17:10 , Graig Graziosi

New York Mayor Eric Adams issued a travel advisory for the city’s residents on Tuesday, warning them of heavy rains and strong winds heading into the Thanksgiving holiday stretch.

“@nycemergencymgt has issued a travel advisory for today, November 21, through tomorrow, November 22. Be prepared for heavy rains and strong winds. Bundle up, add extra time for travel, and follow @NotifyNYC for more updates as we have them,” the mayor wrote.

Some parts of New England may get up to three inches of snow

15:43 , Graig Graziosi

While most of the snow that will fall late Tuesday night on New England will melt before accumulation is possible, there are some higher-elevation areas where forecasters expect it to stick.

Massachusetts broadcaster WBZ-TV’s weather team predicts up to three inches of snow could accumulate — for a few hours — in the northern, higher elevation portions of the state.

Most of that snow will be compacted and will melt as temperatures increase on Wednesday.

Rain stretching from Atlanta to Washington DC and New York

15:00 , Graig Graziosi

A band of rain stretching from Atlanta northward to Washington DC will soak the region Tuesday, causing possible delays and disruptions to holiday travelers.

The rain will move northeast from Washington DC to New York around 5pm.

Freezing rain and sleet are possible in northern New York and northern New England.

Tuesday’s forecast map

14:27 , Graig Graziosi

Freezing rain is possible in the northeast, thunderstorms are forming throughout the Midwest, and both may contribute to delays and disruptions for holiday travelers on Tuesday.

Here’s the latest National Weather Service forecast map for Tuesday.

FAA predicts nearly 50,000 flights on Wednesday

14:00 , Graig Graziosi

The FAA is predicting nearly 50,000 flights will take off Wednesday to deliver holiday travelers to their Thanksgiving destinations.

Wednesday will be the peak air travel day, with 49,606 flights scheduled. Tuesday will be the second highest, with 48,403 flights scheduled.

Tuesday may provde a difficult day for air travelers due to a winter storm system moving through the central US into the Midwest and northeast, bringing rain and thunderstorms throughout the region.

Sunday is predicted to be the most popular day for return travelers, with 44,991 flights scheduled.

More than 49 million Americans will drive to Thanksgiving destinations this year

13:00 , Graig Graziosi

More than 55 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles to reach their Thanksgiving destinations between Wednesday and Sunday, and more than 49 million of those travelers will be driving, according to the AAA.

The Transportation Safety Administration expects a significant portion of those drivers will be on the roads Wednesday. Thankfully, much of the inclement weather predicted for the week will be over, but drivers in parts of northern New York and northern New England should be prepared for possibly slick roads due to sleet and freezing rain Tuesday evening.

FAA administrator has a message for holiday travelers: be nice to flight staff, or else

12:00 , Graig Graziosi

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker took to X/Twitter to warn Thanksgiving travelers — who are likely to face possible delays, long lines, and congested airports — to be nice to the flight crews working over the holidays.

“If you’re flying, please be nice to your flight crew. They are there for your safety. The FAA has zero tolerance for unruly behavior,” he said in a post.

Air travelers on Tuesday are most likely to experience disruptions due to a winter storm system moving from the central US across the Midwest and into the northeast.

Rain, not snow, most likely for Midwest, northeast

11:00 , Graig Graziosi

The National Weather Service reports that most of the precipitation falling east of the Mississippi River over the next two days will be rain.

A major storm system will move across the Midwest and into the northeast on Tuesday, bringing with it thunderstorms and rainfall, which may disrupt flights and cause less than ideal road conditions for motorists traveling for Thanksgiving.

There are some exceptions; the Central Appalachians into portions of the interior northeast may experience sleet and freezing rain on Tuesday morning, and accumulating snows are possible across northern New York state and into northern New England on Tuesday night.

Slick roads possible in northeast on Wednesday morning

09:00 , Graig Graziosi

Roads in parts of New York, Vermont and New Hampshire may be slick on Wednesday morning after overnights storms dump a mix of rain and possible snow on the region Tuesday evening.

Snow is expected to arrived in Maine on Wednesday as a storm system begins moving eastward across the US today.

The Midwest and northeast will feel the brunt of the inclement weather on Tuesday, with thunderstorms, snow, and rain likely.

WATCH: Disruptive storm to strike amid busiest Thanksgiving travel times

07:00 , Graig Graziosi

2.6m people per day expected to travel through airports for Thanksgiving holiday week

04:59 , Graig Graziosi

The FAA estimates that 2.6m people will travel through airports each day during the Thanksgiving holiday week.

The administration said that long lines, delays, and congested airports should be expected all week long.

Delays and possible cancellations are likely as thunderstorms, heavy rain, and snow are expected to move from the center of the US through the Midwest and into the northeast on Tuesday and early Wednesday.

Thanksgiving 2023 expected to be busiest holiday travel season ever, according to Transportation Security Administration

03:00 , Graig Graziosi

The Transportation Security Administration said the 2023 Thanksgiving travel season will be the busiest in US history.

The agency reports the busiest flight days will be Tuesday and Wednesday.

The busiest day for drivers will be Wednesday, according to INRIX, a transportation analytics company.

Drivers are advised to leave home early in the morning or after 6pm to avoid running into the heaviest traffic, INRIX told ABC News.

Inclement weather on Tuesday across the Midwest and northeast may cause delays for air travelers. The storms are expected to die down on Wednesday.

WATCH: Weather forecast: Thanksgiving week

02:00 , Graig Graziosi

Santa Ana winds expected to hit California this week

01:00 , Graig Graziosi

While the central and eastern US grapples with thunderstorms, rain, and snow, some Californians will have to contend with powerful Santa Ana winds ahead of Thanksgiving.

Wind advisories are in place for much of San Diego County through 2pm PST on Tuesday. Forecasters warn of “moderate to strong” Santa Ana winds, particularly on Monday.

Santa Ana winds are typically in excess of 40mph (64kmh) but strong gusts can exceed 100mph (161kmh). The stronger gusts can push cars, topple big rigs, and exacerbate wild fires during the arid fall months in Southern California.

WATCH: 2.5M passengers expected at LAX over Thanksgiving

00:00 , Graig Graziosi

Thanksgiving week weather: Storms threaten to worsen holiday travel chaos

Monday 20 November 2023 23:00 , Graig Graziosi

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, with more than 55 million Americans set to travel by road and by sky over the holiday week.

Forecasters are now warning that the usual travel rush could be exacerbated by various weather events across the nation.

In the South, rain and thunderstorms were predicted from Sunday through Tuesday, according to AccuWeather.

READ MORE:

Storms threaten to worsen Thanksgiving holiday travel chaos

TSA screenings by the numbers

Monday 20 November 2023 22:00 , Graig Graziosi

The Transport Safety Administration predicts this year will be the busiest holiday travel year on record, beginning with Thanksgiving.

The agency predicts that 2.7m people will be screened for flights on Wednesday, which is expected to be the busiest flying day of the Thanksgiving holiday stretch.

The easiest day for travel will be on Thanksgiving, when most travelers will be having dinner with their families.

Sunday will be the busiest return day, with the TSA estimating 2.9m travelers will be screened for flights back home.

FAA predicts nearly 50,000 flights on Wednesday

Monday 20 November 2023 21:20 , Graig Graziosi

The FAA is predicting nearly 50,000 flights will take off Wednesday to deliver holiday travelers to their Thanksgiving destinations.

Wednesday will be the peak air travel day, with 49,606 flights scheduled. Tuesday will be the second highest, with 48,403 flights scheduled.

Tuesday may provde a difficult day for air travelers due to a winter storm system moving through the central US into the Midwest and northeast, bringing rain and thunderstorms throughout the region.

Sunday is predicted to be the most popular day for return travelers, with 44,991 flights scheduled.

FAA administrator has a message for holiday travelers: be nice to flight staff, or else

Monday 20 November 2023 21:00 , Graig Graziosi

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker took to X/Twitter to warn Thanksgiving travelers — who are likely to face possible delays, long lines, and congested airports — to be nice to the flight crews working over the holidays.

“If you’re flying, please be nice to your flight crew. They are there for your safety. The FAA has zero tolerance for unruly behavior,” he said in a post.

Air travelers on Tuesday are most likely to experience disruptions due to a winter storm system moving from the central US across the Midwest and into the northeast.

More than 49 million Americans will drive to Thanksgiving destinations this year

Monday 20 November 2023 20:41 , Graig Graziosi

More than 55 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles to reach their Thanksgiving destinations between Wednesday and Sunday, and more than 49 million of those travelers will be driving, according to the AAA.

The Transportation Safety Administration expects a significant portion of those drivers will be on the roads Wednesday. Thankfully, much of the inclement weather predicted for the week will be over, but drivers in parts of northern New York and northern New England should be prepared for possibly slick roads due to sleet and freezing rain Tuesday evening.

Rain, not snow, most likely for Midwest, northeast

Monday 20 November 2023 20:08 , Graig Graziosi

The National Weather Service reports that most of the precipitation falling east of the Mississippi River over the next two days will be rain.

A major storm system will move across the Midwest and into the northeast on Tuesday, bringing with it thunderstorms and rainfall, which may disrupt flights and cause less than ideal road conditions for motorists traveling for Thanksgiving.

There are some exceptions; the Central Appalachians into portions of the interior northeast may experience sleet and freezing rain on Tuesday morning, and accumulating snows are possible across northern New York state and into northern New England on Tuesday night.

Slick roads possible in northeast on Wednesday morning

Monday 20 November 2023 19:30 , Graig Graziosi

Roads in parts of New York, Vermont and New Hampshire may be slick on Wednesday morning after overnights storms dump a mix of rain and possible snow on the region Tuesday evening.

Snow is expected to arrived in Maine on Wednesday as a storm system begins moving eastward across the US today.

The Midwest and northeast will feel the brunt of the inclement weather on Tuesday, with thunderstorms, snow, and rain likely.

WATCH: Disruptive storm to strike amid busiest Thanksgiving travel times

Monday 20 November 2023 19:09 , Graig Graziosi

2.6m people per day expected to travel through airports for Thanksgiving holiday week

Monday 20 November 2023 18:36 , Graig Graziosi

The FAA estimates that 2.6m people will travel through airports each day during the Thanksgiving holiday week.

The administration said that long lines, delays, and congested airports should be expected all week long.

Delays and possible cancellations are likely as thunderstorms, heavy rain, and snow are expected to move from the center of the US through the Midwest and into the northeast on Tuesday and early Wednesday.

Thanksgiving 2023 expected to be busiest holiday travel season ever, according to Transportation Security Administration

Monday 20 November 2023 18:20 , Graig Graziosi

The Transportation Security Administration said the 2023 Thanksgiving travel season will be the busiest in US history.

The agency reports the busiest flight days will be Tuesday and Wednesday.

The busiest day for drivers will be Wednesday, according to INRIX, a transportation analytics company.

Drivers are advised to leave home early in the morning or after 6pm to avoid running into the heaviest traffic, INRIX told ABC News.

Inclement weather on Tuesday across the Midwest and northeast may cause delays for air travelers. The storms are expected to die down on Wednesday.

Santa Ana winds expected to hit California this week

Monday 20 November 2023 17:40 , Graig Graziosi

While the central and eastern US grapples with thunderstorms, rain, and snow, some Californians will have to contend with powerful Santa Ana winds ahead of Thanksgiving.

Wind advisories are in place for much of San Diego County through 2pm PST on Tuesday. Forecasters warn of “moderate to strong” Santa Ana winds, particularly on Monday.

Santa Ana winds are typically in excess of 40mph (64kmh) but strong gusts can exceed 100mph (161kmh). The stronger gusts can push cars, topple big rigs, and exacerbate wild fires during the arid fall months in Southern California.

Thanksgiving week weather: Storms threaten to worsen holiday travel chaos

Monday 20 November 2023 17:10 , Graig Graziosi

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, with more than 55 million Americans set to travel by road and by sky over the holiday week.

Forecasters are now warning that the usual travel rush could be exacerbated by various weather events across the nation.

In the South, rain and thunderstorms were predicted from Sunday through Tuesday, according to AccuWeather.

READ MORE:

Storms threaten to worsen Thanksgiving holiday travel chaos

Welcome to the live blog

Monday 20 November 2023 17:07 , Graig Graziosi

Welcome to The Independent’s liveblog.

Winter weather and severe storms threaten to disrupt millions of Americans traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday this week.

Severe storms were forecasted for the Gulf coast south on Monday. Thunderstorms, heavy rain, and snow are expected to blow across the central US, through the Midwest, and into the northeast on Tuesday. Forecasters believe the severe weather will weaken on Wednesday, making way for an otherwise clear Thanksgiving Day in much of the US.